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Sione Vaki Emerging as Intriguing Handcuff Option
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki carried the ball 11 times for 65 yards and caught one pass for five yards in Sunday's 19-15 win over Minnesota. Vaki had totaled just 56 rushing yards on 16 carries entering Week 8. His performance drew praise from head coach Dan Campbell, who said Vaki had earned more trust from the coaching staff. Jahmyr Gibbs remains Detroit's lead back after rushing for 153 yards Sunday, but Vaki could see additional opportunities moving forward. RotoBaller ranks Vaki RB62 for Week 9 against Miami, making him a worthwhile handcuff stash rather than a dependable fantasy starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Jahan Dotson Worth Streaming in Deep Setups in Week 9
Atlanta wide receiver Jahan Dotson has quietly produced solid stat lines over the past several games, but he still is a better deep-league option for his Week 9 matchup against the Bengals. Doton has 54 or more yards in four of his past five contests played - he has two touchdown grabs in that stretch. He's been a big-play threat, with just 10 catches over those five contests, so he's a boom-or-bust fantasy asset. Dotson has 14 receptions for 337 yards and two touchdowns across his 31 targets on the season overall. His matchup against Cincinnati is slightly above average, so he's got a solid outlook ahead. He's a much more confident option in deeper leagues but has done enough lately to earn a few more starts for Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Treylon Burks Just a Deep-League Streaming Option in Tough Week 9 Test
Washington wide receiver Treylon Burks has produced solid showings in two straight games, but a tougher matchup in Week 9 keeps him as a deep-league fantasy option only. He had 81 receiving yards on three receptions and five targets in Week 8 and went for 66 yards on four grabs and six targets in Week 6 - Washington had its bye in Week 7. While Burks is trending up as a fantasy asset, a tough test against the Rams awaits. He's still capable of delivering several fantasy points, but between the matchup and wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams and tight end Chig Okonkwo being other viable options in the pass game, Burks is better suited to just start in deeper leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Corey Kiner Worth Stashing Amid Patriots Backfield Uncertainty
New England Patriots running back Corey Kiner rushed seven times for 38 yards in Sunday's 24-19 victory over Miami. With TreVeyon Henderson (illness) sidelined, Kiner served as the primary backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. He has gained 160 yards on 28 carries over his last four games, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. However, Stevenson remains the lead back, and Henderson's return could further limit Kiner's opportunities. Kiner has totaled 189 rushing yards without a touchdown this season, making him a speculative stash rather than an immediate fantasy contributor. RotoBaller ranked him RB60 in its early Week 9 rankings ahead of Sunday's matchup against Green Bay.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. a Deep-League Streaming Option in Week 9
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. remains a deep-league fantasy starting option for the team's Week 9 test against the Bengals. He struggled in Week 8 against Tampa Bay, completing just 8-of-24 passes for 125 yards. Penix didn't throw a touchdown and was picked off four times. He had 11 rushing yards on five attempts. There were wet and sloppy conditions in that contest, which certainly impacted the passing game and Penix's play. The QB had thrown seven touchdowns to no interceptions in the previous three games combined, so he'll be looking to bounce back this week. Cincinnati is a pretty average matchup for Penix, which keeps him as a deep-league streaming option, even after last week's disastrous showing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brian Robinson limited on Falcons estimated injury report Wednesday
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report. The team held a walkthrough after arriving in Madrid for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against Cincinnati. Robinson has missed two straight games and did not practice last week. He has rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns on 53 carries this season while serving as Bijan Robinson's backup. Khalil Herbert has handled backup duties during his absence. If Robinson returns, he could reclaim short-yardage opportunities, although his limited workload makes him touchdown-dependent for fantasy purposes. His status over the next two days should provide more clarity on his availability.
Source: Tori McElhaney
Source: Tori McElhaney
Vita Vea on Giants' Radar
Tampa Bay defensive lineman Vita Vea is reportedly on the Giants' radar, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. New York inquired about Jeffery Simmons multiple times, but he was eventually dealt to the Bears last week. Tampa Bay is not expected to move Vea, but the Giants have still inquired about him, and are likely to add a defensive lineman at some point before the trade deadline. Vea has 16 total tackles on the season - his lone sack came in Week 7 against Carolina. Vea is 31 years old and signed a one-year extension with Tampa Bay before this season that keeps him under contract with the Bucs through the 2027 season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Packers Checking in on Running Backs, Offensive Linemen
Green Bay has checked in on running backs as well as offensive linemen, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. The Packers' running game has struggled to get rolling all season, and even though Josh Jacobs has been active the past two weeks, his situation is still a question mark. The Packers are last in the NFL with 485 rushing yards, which equates to just 60.6 yards per game - that's over 15 yards worse than any other team. Part of the team's struggles was not having Jacobs for the first six games, but the offensive line has struggled too, so the Packers could be interested in upgrading there as well. Even with the run game deficiencies, the Packers are still 5-3 and are currently sitting in the playoff field.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Nailor Remains a Deep-League Stash After Week 8 Touchdown
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor had his best game of the season Sunday, catching all four targets for 38 yards and his first touchdown of 2026 in a 38-33 victory over the Jets. Nailor has recorded just 12 receptions for 113 yards through seven games, making consistent fantasy production difficult to project. His role remains uncertain following Jack Bech's return, as Nailor played only 46% of the offensive snaps against New York despite running routes on 67% of passing plays. With Brock Bowers commanding most of the receiving opportunities, Nailor remains a speculative stash in deeper leagues. RotoBaller ranks him WR94 for Week 9 against San Francisco, making him a risky fantasy starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colts Asking for a Lot for Jonathan Taylor
The Indianapolis Colts still have a high asking price for running back Jonathan Taylor and maintain they don't need to trade him, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Taylor has been at the center of countless trade discussions as the team has struggled, and the team has already traded franchise cornerstones, Quentin Nelson and DeForest Buckner. The Colts have remained open to trading the star running back, but his hefty contract and the team's high asking price could make it difficult for other suitors to agree. In eight games this season, Taylor has totaled 148 carries for 610 yards, with eight touchdowns, and has added 21 receptions for 202 yards. Several teams have checked in on Taylor's availability, and while a trade could be in the works, fantasy managers will have to continue to wait for the move to occur.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Daniel Jones on the Ravens' Radar as a Short-Term Option
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Baltimore Ravens could have quarterback Daniel Jones on their radar as a short-term option. The Ravens lost star quarterback Lamar Jackson (thumb) for the foreseeable future and backup Tyler Huntley (toe) for the season. The team could trade for Jones as a stopgap amid quarterback injuries. Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason but has struggled immensely in his second season with the team. The Colts have already traded franchise cornerstones Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner and appear likely to move Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs as well. While it's unclear where Jones stands and how Baltimore will target their quarterback openings, keep an eye on both situations before this year's deadline.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Deshaun Watson Placed in Concussion Protocol Wednesday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) was placed in concussion protocol on Wednesday, according to Mary Kay Cabot. Watson left Week 8's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers early after hitting his head on the turf in the first quarter. Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders replaced him for a drive, but Watson returned and finished the game. With Watson in the protocol, it's unclear whether he will be able to suit up for Week 9's contest against the New Orleans Saints, which would put Sanders in line to start. In seven career starts, Sanders has completed 116 of 196 passes for 1,353 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while adding 153 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Fantasy managers should monitor Watson's practice status throughout the week, but it seems likely that Sanders will start in Week 9.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Brandon Aiyuk Files to be Reinstated, Reporting to 49ers Facility Friday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has filed for reinstatement and is prepared to report to the team's facility on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Aiyuk has submitted his paperwork to the NFL to be reinstated after the 49ers placed him on the Reserve/Left Squad list. The wideout signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the team prior to the 2024 season but suffered a torn ACL that ended that season early. Aiyuk did not comply with rehabilitation requirements and left the facility. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that he would not return to the 49ers. If Aiyuk returns to the field, it's likely he would be released by the team and play elsewhere, including the Washington Commanders, for whom Aiyuk has publicly activated himself. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on this situation, though it's unclear how the process between Aiyuk and the 49ers will play out.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Derrick Henry a Name to Watch Ahead of Deadline
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is a name to watch ahead of the trade deadline, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Graziano noted that the Ravens are down to an injured, undrafted rookie, and if they lose and fall to 4-5, that could open the door to Henry being dealt. Henry will turn 33 in January and is scheduled to earn $12 million next year, with none of that money guaranteed. In eight games this season, Henry has 158 carries for 632 yards and eight touchdowns, along with 12 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. Despite playing in his 11th season, Henry continues to play at a high level, but with Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (toe) out indefinitely, the veteran could struggle to produce. Teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks could be in the market for Henry, but it appears unlikely the Ravens would trade him unless something dramatic happens.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Mack Hollins Set to Return to Practice Wednesday
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) is set to return to practice on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Hollins suffered a calf injury in Week 4, which led to his placement on injured reserve and cost him at least four games. With his stint on the list expected to end in Week 9, fantasy managers should consider adding the ninth-year wideout. In four games this season, Hollins has hauled in 15 of 20 targets for 209 yards and no touchdowns, a total that came during quarterback Drake Maye's struggles. Now with Maye playing MVP-level football and wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) banged up, look for Hollins to make an impact if healthy.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Tyler Huntley Suffers Season-Ending Turf-Toe Injury
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (toe) suffered a season-ending turf toe injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. After replacing starting quarterback Lamar Jackson in Week 8's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Huntley left the game shortly after with a foot injury. After undergoing tests over the past few days, Huntley appears set to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. In three starts this season, Huntley has completed 66 of 97 passes for 664 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, along with 60 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. With Huntley out for the season and Jackson (thumb) out indefinitely, undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano will start in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the third-string quarterback in, expect the team's top playmakers, including Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and Ja'Kobi Lane, to regress without Jackson and Huntley in the lineup.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Tyler Higbee's Streaming Appeal Softens After Three Consecutive Duds
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee is a natural waiver wire target because of his (potential) spot on the depth chart and his presence within a very talented passing offense. On paper, it seems like Higbee would be a smash start in scenarios like Week 8, when Colby Parkinson (rib) and Terrance Ferguson (ankle) were both sidelined. The veteran tight end did play a season-high 83% of the snaps, but it resulted in just two targets, one catch, and 14 receiving yards. He has posted fewer than 5.0 PPR points in each of his last three games, and he has a total of seven catches, 50 yards, zero touchdowns, and one fumble during that three-week span. While we still acknowledge that Higbee has legitimate fantasy appeal as Matthew Stafford's second-favorite target behind Puka Nacua (if Parkinson and Ferguson miss additional time), his track record over the last three weeks speaks for itself. Higbee can still be a streaming option for Week 9, but managers must acknowledge that his higher ceiling also comes with a significantly low floor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields Can be a Fantasy-Relevant No. 2 WR
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields remains an intriguing waiver wire target in 12+ team fantasy football leagues. While the Giants' offense has faced plenty of adversity at the quarterback position this year, it seems like J.J. McCarthy finally has the passing game in a good spot with Jameis Winston benched and Jaxson Dart (knee) out for an extended period of time. While McCarthy has done a great job boosting the ceilings of Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely, he has also supported Fields as a solid WR3 option in fantasy football. Fields had a career-high 94% snap share in Week 6, and over his last two games, he has 13 targets, six catches, and 102 yards. While we'd like to see the rookie catch more than half of the passes thrown his way, we respect his yardage total and view the Notre Dame product as a solid waiver wire pickup ahead of Week 9. One perk of adding Fields is that he should be in the No. 2 receiver role for the rest of the season, so he should continue to offer WR3/flex appeal in deeper leagues for several weeks to come.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Efton Chism III a Top Beneficiary Amid Teammates' Absences
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III has ascended into a fantasy-relevant role amid injuries to A.J. Brown (knee), Mack Hollins (calf), and Romeo Doubs (shoulder). While the former undrafted free agent's role and volume have fluctuated a little bit over the past few weeks, he has been mostly productive while filling in for Brown (who missed Week 8) and Hollins and Doubs (who are on injured reserve). Just last Sunday, despite rainy conditions in Miami, Chism caught five passes for 37 yards while handling a career-high 88% snap share. We can expect him to maintain a similar snap share if Brown and Hollins can't suit up in Week 9 against Green Bay. If Chism remains in the No. 2 role behind DeMario Douglas, there's a legitimate argument for him to be streamed as a WR3/flex in fantasy leagues with 14+ teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Williams Emerging as a Big-Play Threat Amid WR Injuries
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams has emerged as a potential waiver wire target in deeper fantasy leagues while several of his teammates recover from their respective injuries. Williams has worked his way into a more featured role with A.J. Brown (knee) missing Week 8 and both Romeo Doubs (shoulder) and Mack Hollins (calf) on injured reserve. If all three players remain sidelined going forward, Williams will have streaming upside in deeper fantasy leagues. Last week, as the No. 3 receiver behind DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III, Williams played 83% of the snaps and converted his lone target into a 43-yard touchdown. This isn't the first time that Williams has capitalized on a lower target volume; he has a whopping five touchdowns on just 17 catches through his 25 career NFL games. Williams embodies the mindset that all it takes is one or two targets to make a big impact. He represents a potential waiver wire pickup for fantasy managers seeking big-play upside in the middle of the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Cooper Remains a Featured Receiver in Eagles' Injury-Riddled Offense
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper has been thrust into a larger role recently, as injuries continue to impact players on both sides of the ball. Cooper has now played more than 90% of the snaps in each of the last two weeks due to injuries to DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle). Cooper has just three catches during that span, but he also has nine targets, suggesting that he could be a deep-league fantasy starter if quarterback Tanner McKee can do a better job leading the passing attack. The second-year receiver has consistently operated alongside rookie Makai Lemon, who also has a 90%+ snap share in each of his last two games. Once Smith and Wicks are healthy again, we'd expect Cooper to fall off the fantasy radar. However, in the meantime, he can unlock deep-league streaming appeal if the passing game shows a little more effectiveness in Week 9 against the New York Giants.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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